2 Timothy 2:4
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
No man that warreth entangleth, etc. - It is well remarked by Grotius, on this passage, that the legionary soldiers among the Romans were not permitted to engage in husbandry, merchandise, mechanical employments, or any thing that might be inconsistent with their calling. Many canons, at different times, have been made to prevent ecclesiastics from intermeddling with secular employments. The who will preach the Gospel thoroughly, and wishes to give full proof of his ministry, had need to have no other work. He should be wholly in this thing, that his profiting may appear unto all. There are many who sin against this direction. They love the world, and labor for it, and are regardless of the souls committed to their charge. But what are they, either in number or guilt, compared to the immense herd of men professing to be Christian ministers, who neither read nor study, and consequently never improve? These are too conscientious to meddle with secular affairs, and yet have no scruple of conscience to while away time, be among the chief in needless self-indulgence, and, by their burdensome and monotonous ministry, become an incumbrance to the Church! Do you inquire: In what sect or party are these to be found? I answer: In All. Idle drones: - Fruges consumere nati, "Born to consume the produce of the soil," disgrace every department in the Christian Church. They cannot teach because they will not learn.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"No one while serving as a soldier." the affairs of (this) life--"the businesses of life" [ALFORD]; mercantile, or other than military. him who hath chosen him--the general who at the first enlisted him as a soldier. Paul himself worked at tent-making (Act 18:3). Therefore what is prohibited here is, not all other save religious occupation, but the becoming entangled, or over-engrossed therewith.
John Gill Bible Commentary
No man that warreth,.... Who is a soldier, and gives himself up to military service, in a literal sense: the Vulgate Latin version, without any authority, adds, "to God"; as if the apostle was speaking of a spiritual warfare; whereas he is illustrating a spiritual warfare by a corporeal one; and observes, that no one, that is in a military state, entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; with civil affairs, in distinction from military ones. The Roman soldiers might not follow any trade or business of life, or be concerned in husbandry, or merchandise of any sort, but were wholly to attend to military exercises, and to the orders of their general; for to be employed in any secular business was reckoned an entangling of them, a taking of them off from, and an hindrance to their military discipline: and by this the apostle suggests that Christ's people, his soldiers, and especially his ministers, should not he involved and implicated in worldly affairs and cares; for no man can serve two masters, God and mammon; but should wholly give up themselves to the work and service to which they are called; and be ready to part with all worldly enjoyments, and cheerfully suffer the loss of all things, when called to it, for the sake of Christ and his Gospel: that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier; his captain, or general, who has enlisted him, enrolled and registered him among his soldiers; whom to please should be his chief concern; as it should be the principal thing attended to by a Christian soldier, or minister of the Gospel, not to please men, nor to please himself, by seeking his own ease and rest, his worldly emoluments and advantages, but to please the Lord Christ, in whose book his name is written.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:4-7 In rapid-fire sequence, Paul quotes maxims about single-minded struggling and laboring.
2 Timothy 2:4
Grace and Perseverance
3Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.5Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Road to Reality - What Distracts Us
By K.P. Yohannan98924:57Road To RealityNEH 6:3MAT 6:33MAT 12:502TI 2:4HEB 4:151PE 1:17REV 13:8In this sermon, Brother K.P. Ohanan discusses the power of focus and how easily we can lose sight of the most important thing in our lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who faced numerous distractions throughout his life on Earth, yet remained focused on his purpose. Brother K.P. also highlights the story of Nehemiah, who stayed on track despite threats and opposition. He emphasizes the importance of not allowing anything to distract us from our calling as disciples of Jesus and living with a sense of urgency in light of eternity.
Stl Team Visits Russia 1961
By George Verwer94159:47RussiaMAT 6:33LUK 14:13JHN 8:32ROM 8:32PHP 4:192TI 2:4HEB 12:1The video is a sermon about the spread of Communism in the Soviet Union in the summer of 1961. The speaker emphasizes the need for Christians to understand the truth and spread the gospel in response to this threat. He quotes John 8:32, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free," as the Christian answer to Communism. The speaker also highlights the importance of surrendering everything to Jesus Christ and relying on God to supply our needs.
Don't Get Entangled With the Affairs of This Life
By Joshua Daniel87528:30MAT 6:33ROM 8:37EPH 6:122TI 2:4JAS 4:7This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the spiritual warfare Christians face, urging believers to advance in their faith and not be entangled by worldly distractions. He highlights the importance of obedience to God's word, seeking first the kingdom of God, and avoiding entrapments that hinder spiritual progress. The message calls for a deep repentance, a focus on eternal values over worldly pursuits, and a prayer for deliverance from defeatism to become conquerors in Christ.
Spiritual Survival in the 80s Eph 6
By George Verwer82252:34Spiritual SurvivalMAT 6:33ACT 17:6ACT 18:8ROM 1:161CO 15:152TI 2:41PE 4:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love and relationship in serving one another. The goal is to teach the audience how to apply these principles in their camp ministry. The speaker also encourages evangelism through various methods such as open-air campaigns, evangelizing in homes, and even using vehicles as opportunities for sharing the gospel. The sermon emphasizes the need to enroll in God's army and be obedient to His commands, comparing Christians to soldiers under the leadership of Christ. The speaker references Bible verses, particularly Ephesians 6:10 and 2 Timothy 2, to support these teachings.
Fighting for the King - Easter Evangelism 1987
By George Verwer79653:58MAT 6:331CO 15:582TI 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being a disciple of God. He mentions that since the early days, 400 million people have been reached with the word of God through preaching, personal work, and literature. The speaker shares his personal experiences of evangelizing in the communist, Muslim, and Hindu worlds, as well as working for church renewal and supporting full-time workers. He encourages listeners to persevere in their spiritual journey, acknowledging that they may face challenges and failures but reminding them that their Savior has already won the fight. The speaker also mentions the importance of being a part of a team and continually striving for spiritual growth and improvement.
Don't Get Entangled With the Affairs of This Life - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel66128:30JOS 1:72TI 2:4This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of disentangling oneself from worldly affairs to fully please God and engage in spiritual warfare. Drawing from Joshua's example, the message highlights the need for obedience, courage, and unwavering commitment to God's Word for success in life's battles. It challenges believers to prioritize meditating on God's Word, seeking His wisdom, and making real sacrifices in the spiritual journey.
An Undivided Heart
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Undivided HeartSoul Winning2CH 16:9PSA 86:11PRO 4:23DAN 12:3MAT 6:24ROM 12:11CO 9:161TH 5:242TI 2:4JAS 1:8Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the necessity of having an undivided heart in the pursuit of soul-winning, arguing that a divided heart cannot effectively lead others to true repentance and a relationship with Jesus. He illustrates that the soul-winner's task is profound, requiring complete dedication and abandonment to God's work, akin to the commitment shown by great figures in history. Brengle warns against distractions and the temptation to retreat, urging that true success in ministry comes from a heart wholly devoted to God. He concludes by affirming that regardless of one's abilities or education, a perfect heart towards God is what He blesses, as seen in the scripture that highlights God's search for those whose hearts are perfect toward Him.
(Gaining God's Approval) 1. Called, Chosen and Faithful
By Zac Poonen0JDG 7:1LUK 21:34JHN 2:231CO 7:29COL 3:21TI 1:122TI 2:42TI 2:15REV 17:14Zac Poonen preaches on the distinction between being accepted by God and being approved by God, emphasizing the importance of being faithful over just being called or chosen. He highlights the example of the overcomers in the book of Revelation who have been tested and approved by God. Using the stories of Gideon's army and Jesus' caution against being weighed down by worldly cares, Zac Poonen stresses the need for believers to be tested in daily life and to maintain undistracted devotion to the Lord. He urges Christians to be like Paul and Timothy, diligently seeking God's approval through faithfulness and surrender.
The Benefits of an Early Piety. (Eccles 12:1)
By George Whitefield0LUK 8:14ROM 12:1ROM 13:142TI 2:4JAS 1:151JN 2:161JN 3:17The sermon focuses on the distinction between 'bios' and 'zoe' in the Bible, highlighting how 'bios' refers to everyday life, necessities, means of subsistence, and worldly pursuits, while 'zoe' signifies the fullness of life given by God to believers, transforming their inner being and behavior. The preacher delves into various Bible verses to explain how the pursuit of worldly goods, pleasures, and pride can lead one astray from God's purpose, urging believers to prioritize their dedication to Christ and avoid being drawn away by the lusts of the flesh, eyes, and the pride of life.
What Is Your Soil Condition?
By Duane Troyer0MAT 13:8MRK 4:18LUK 8:15JHN 2:23JHN 8:462CO 5:172TI 2:4HEB 12:1Duane Troyer preaches about the importance of having a heart that is receptive to the Word of God, using the parable of the sower to illustrate the different conditions of the heart. He emphasizes the need for understanding, accepting, and keeping the Word in order to bear good fruit for Christ. Troyer warns against being intoxicated by the cares of the world, riches, and pleasures, which can hinder spiritual growth. He highlights the miraculous nature of the seed of God's Word and the importance of having a broken and contrite heart to receive it.
Questions for the Soldier of Christ
By Mary Wilder Tileston0EPH 6:132TI 2:4Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of putting on the whole armor of God to withstand the challenges of life, drawing inspiration from Ephesians 6:13. She urges believers to arise as soldiers of Christ, strong in the strength provided by God through His Son, as highlighted in the hymn by Charles Wesley. Tileston prompts introspection on one's spiritual journey, questioning one's peace, fulfillment of duties, efforts to overcome sins, and faithfulness to God's guidance, echoing the sentiments of Pére Ravignan in seeking self-improvement and spiritual growth.
All the Days of My Warfare Would I Wait, Till
By F.B. Meyer0Spiritual WarfareEndurance in FaithEPH 6:102TI 2:4F.B. Meyer emphasizes the Christian life as a soldier's campaign, urging believers to endure hardships and remain focused on pleasing Jesus without getting entangled in worldly affairs. He highlights the constant nature of spiritual warfare, where vigilance and prayer are essential, and encourages taking up the full armor of God to withstand evil. Meyer reassures that a time of release will come for those who fight the good fight, drawing parallels to the courage required in both action and waiting. He illustrates that sometimes the greatest battle is the patience to endure and remain steadfast in faith. Ultimately, believers are reminded that their efforts will be rewarded by the righteous Judge.
Necessary Doctrine
By Thomas Cranmer0LUK 19:13ACT 20:241CO 10:31PHP 3:13COL 3:232TI 2:4The preacher discusses the concept of affairs (pragmateia) as transactions and business affairs, emphasizing the challenge of obeying God's orders amidst distractions. Christians are encouraged to maintain single-mindedness and focused purpose, engaging in daily responsibilities while waiting for Christ but not allowing these activities to hinder their service to God. The preacher highlights the importance of being like good soldiers, as exemplified by Jim Elliot's 'Life Verse' in 2 Timothy 2:4, where believers are called to please the One who enlisted them as soldiers.
Prayer and Missions
By E.M. Bounds0MAT 6:33LUK 9:62ACT 20:241CO 10:312TI 2:4Paul emphasizes the importance of not becoming entangled in the affairs of everyday life, comparing the commitment of a soldier to the single-minded devotion required of a Christian. He warns against allowing legitimate activities or possessions to distract from seeking first the kingdom of God. The focus should be on pleasing the Commander, Jesus Christ, and being fully dedicated to His service, even if it means giving up things that hinder spiritual growth and service. The goal is to maintain a clear vision of God and to avoid entanglement in worldly pursuits, ensuring that all actions are done to honor and glorify Him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
No man that warreth entangleth, etc. - It is well remarked by Grotius, on this passage, that the legionary soldiers among the Romans were not permitted to engage in husbandry, merchandise, mechanical employments, or any thing that might be inconsistent with their calling. Many canons, at different times, have been made to prevent ecclesiastics from intermeddling with secular employments. The who will preach the Gospel thoroughly, and wishes to give full proof of his ministry, had need to have no other work. He should be wholly in this thing, that his profiting may appear unto all. There are many who sin against this direction. They love the world, and labor for it, and are regardless of the souls committed to their charge. But what are they, either in number or guilt, compared to the immense herd of men professing to be Christian ministers, who neither read nor study, and consequently never improve? These are too conscientious to meddle with secular affairs, and yet have no scruple of conscience to while away time, be among the chief in needless self-indulgence, and, by their burdensome and monotonous ministry, become an incumbrance to the Church! Do you inquire: In what sect or party are these to be found? I answer: In All. Idle drones: - Fruges consumere nati, "Born to consume the produce of the soil," disgrace every department in the Christian Church. They cannot teach because they will not learn.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"No one while serving as a soldier." the affairs of (this) life--"the businesses of life" [ALFORD]; mercantile, or other than military. him who hath chosen him--the general who at the first enlisted him as a soldier. Paul himself worked at tent-making (Act 18:3). Therefore what is prohibited here is, not all other save religious occupation, but the becoming entangled, or over-engrossed therewith.
John Gill Bible Commentary
No man that warreth,.... Who is a soldier, and gives himself up to military service, in a literal sense: the Vulgate Latin version, without any authority, adds, "to God"; as if the apostle was speaking of a spiritual warfare; whereas he is illustrating a spiritual warfare by a corporeal one; and observes, that no one, that is in a military state, entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; with civil affairs, in distinction from military ones. The Roman soldiers might not follow any trade or business of life, or be concerned in husbandry, or merchandise of any sort, but were wholly to attend to military exercises, and to the orders of their general; for to be employed in any secular business was reckoned an entangling of them, a taking of them off from, and an hindrance to their military discipline: and by this the apostle suggests that Christ's people, his soldiers, and especially his ministers, should not he involved and implicated in worldly affairs and cares; for no man can serve two masters, God and mammon; but should wholly give up themselves to the work and service to which they are called; and be ready to part with all worldly enjoyments, and cheerfully suffer the loss of all things, when called to it, for the sake of Christ and his Gospel: that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier; his captain, or general, who has enlisted him, enrolled and registered him among his soldiers; whom to please should be his chief concern; as it should be the principal thing attended to by a Christian soldier, or minister of the Gospel, not to please men, nor to please himself, by seeking his own ease and rest, his worldly emoluments and advantages, but to please the Lord Christ, in whose book his name is written.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:4-7 In rapid-fire sequence, Paul quotes maxims about single-minded struggling and laboring.